Finds and Treasures (9)

Yesterday morning I picked up my dear little mother and we went to garage sales, followed by lunch out together. This is the first time we have had a 'normal' Friday garage sale day together for quite awhile because of her recent illness. She is feeling much better and told me that she felt better yesterday than she has for a year. What an answer to prayer! We had a great time together and found some wonderful things at the sales we found along the way. My best buys were from my neighbor's garage sale - just across the street! I couldn't wait to show you the treasures I found there. My neighbors are a bit older than my sweetheart and I and have purchased a 'winter' home in Arizona. Now they are downsizing and cleaning out a lot of things that they don't want to keep here where they will spend Spring, Summer and part of the Fall each year. I was their first customer when they opened the garage door! Even before I picked up my dear mother and brought her back to the sale! I'm so glad I was over there early because I got things I will treasure. More special because they belonged to my dear neighbor lady.

Nearly three years ago we bought a new dining room set. It opens out bigger than the one we had before. Tablecloths I had for years only fit when it has no leaf or just one of the two leaves added. I have been collecting new tablecloths since then but have not added many to my supply. I was delighted to find that my neighbor had decided to sell two of hers! They will fit my table when it is opened up. This one has fruit in baskets. I didn't open the table - or even press the cloths - for the pictures.

Along the sides of the table. . .

And at the edges, the vine and fruit pattern is elegant.

The other tablecloth is the same Ecru color in a floral pattern.

The sides are filled with flowers and gorgeous designs.

But I really love the corners!I found some old opera glasses in a little leather case.See their name? Turtle.I couldn't leave this little, old, silver ladle. It will be perfect in one of my gravy boats!I love the detail on the handle. Roses!I was thrilled to find each of these beautiful things but that wasn't my best find of the day. When I saw this box I had to check it out. Couldn't leave it there without seeing what was inside.Oh, my goodness! Look what I found.A delicate, exquisite tea set. Made in. . .Luncheon plates. . . cups and saucers. . .And a sweet little teapot! Service for four with a couple of extra plates and an extra saucer. Did you see the price? I couldn't believe my eyes. When I said I would take it our neighbor man said, 'Oh, I feel so much better about this!' He told me this little set had belonged to my dear little German neighbor lady's grandmother. He really didn't want her to sell it. Now he was pleased that I had it and would always treasure it.

I bought some other things through the day. Grandma books for my grandkids, some puzzles and games, a few Christmas ornaments, a tabletop tripod for my new camera and a darling little wooden storage chest that needs a bit of work before I show it to you. I know where it will go when it's finished. But you have to wait! I promise I'll show it to you.

Yesterday's adventures meant a lot to me. Because my dear mother felt good again and had such fun. And because I have some wonderful treasures that belonged to my sweet neighbor. Now how can you have a better day?